Weight Distribution System for a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab 2wd Diesel Pulling a Car Hauler
Question:
I will be purchasing a 20 Ft Sloan Kwikload Car trailer which will weigh about 2200 lbs. and hauling vehicles which weigh about 4,000 lbs. I have the factory installed receiver hitch with a 2inch opening. What weight distribution system would you recommend?
asked by: John W
Helpful Expert Reply:
The important factor to consider when choosing a weight distribution system is the loaded tongue weight of your towing setup. The loaded tongue weight includes the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo that is loaded in your truck bed behind the rear axle. Once you find the loaded tongue weight of your setup, you will want to choose a weight distribution system with a tongue weight range that encompasses your loaded tongue weight.
I have attached an FAQ article on how to determine your tongue weight for you to check out.
As a general rule, the tongue weight of a trailer is typically calculated to be between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. Car haulers will usually have higher tongue weights because cars are not always centered over the axle and the heaviest parts are usually forward of the axle.
You will likely not need to use weight distribution when your trailer is empty, but since your trailer will weigh around 6,200 lbs when loaded, I recommend choosing a system like the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System, # RP66074. This system has a tongue weight range of 600 lbs to 1,200 lbs and includes dual-cam sway control. This system does not include a shank or hitch ball, but you can use the 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286, or the 2 inch hitch ball, # A-90 and for a shank part # RP63971.
If you find that your tongue weight may be more than 1,200 lbs, then I would recommend moving up to the next size which is part # RP66130. This system has a tongue weight range of 800 lbs to 1,500 lbs. The recommended hitch ball for this system is part # C40030.
![John H](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/428_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 15,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 15000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Pro Series Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 4-3/4" or 6-1/2" Drop - 1.5K TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 6 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 4 Inch Drop
- Pro Series
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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